NFL Player News

The Ravens assigned their franchise tag to Jackson (knee) on Tuesday.

In a statement released by the team, general manager Eric DeCosta noted that the Ravens plan to continue to negotiate with Jackson in hopes of reaching a long-term deal with the quarterback this offseason. Per Adam Schefter of ESPN, the $32.4 million franchise tag is non-exclusive, which means that the signal-caller can negotiate with other teams. The Ravens, however, retain the right to match any offer sheet Jackson signs, or alternatively accept two first-round draft picks as compensation.

The Packers reportedly have granted Rodgers permission to speak with the Jets, per Ian Rapoport of NFL Network.

According to Dan Graziano of ESPN, some conversations regarding a potential trade of the 39-year-old signal caller are expected to take place Tuesday. That said, at this stage Rodgers has yet to announce what he plans to do this coming season, with Graziano noting that if the QB elects to continue his playing career it's still possible he could decide that he'd prefer to remain with the Packers. Moreover, Rodgers' current contract with Green Bay would presumably need to be addressed before any possible deal sending him elsewhere could proceed.

The Seahawks and Smith agreed to a three-year, $105 million contract extension Monday, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports.

A second-round pick of the Jets in the 2013 NFL Draft, Smith flamed out in his initial stop in the NFL and served as a journeyman until winning a quarterback battle against Drew Lock last summer in the post-Russell Wilson era in Seattle. Smith proceeded to put together an impressive campaign, completing 69.8 percent of his passes for 4,282 yards, 30 touchdowns and 11 interceptions while also running for 366 yards and one more score. With wide receivers DK Metcalf and Tyler Lockett and running back Kenneth Walker also under contract with the Seahawks for the next three seasons, the 32-year-old Smith has the skill-position talent at his disposal to continue to put up fruitful stat lines.

Purdy (elbow) is scheduled to undergo surgery Friday, Cam Inman of The San Jose Mercury News reports.

Purdy's initially scheduled elbow procedure had to be postponed due to swelling two weeks ago, but the torn UCL in his right throwing elbow now is set to be addressed Friday. After completing his surgery, Purdy will be able to begin the preliminary steps of what projects to be a lengthy recovery. There's an amount of uncertainty surrounding the 49ers' quarterback room, as Trey Lance (ankle) is recovering from a fractured fibula and ligament disruption in his right ankle suffered Week 2. Lance, however, is expected to be 100 percent for OTAs, meaning Purdy could have to play catch-up.

Carr signed a four-year, $150 million contract with the Saints on Monday, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports.

Carr's contract includes $100 million in total guarantees, with $70 million effectively fully guaranteed. He thus becomes the first big-name quarterback of the 2023 offseason to find a new home, just weeks before his 32nd birthday. It remains to be seen whether the NFL future of Michael Thomas (toe) involves any more time with New Orleans, but the likes of Alvin Kamara and Chris Olave represent solid offensive playmakers for Carr. The four-time Pro Bowler threw for 3,522 passing yards, 24 touchdowns and 14 interceptions in 15 games with the Raiders last season. His passing yardage total was the third-lowest mark of his nine-year career.

The Saints are expected to release Winston as a post-June 1 cut, Adam Schefter of ESPN reports.

New Orleans can save $12.8 million against the cap by releasing Winston, who was relegated to backup duties down the stretch of the 2022 campaign, after June 1. With the team expected to announce an official agreement with Derek Carr imminently, Winston is clearly the odd man out in the Saints' quarterback room. Meanwhile, Andy Dalton is scheduled to hit free agency, giving New Orleans a clear need at the No. 2 quarterback spot.

Carr announced via his official Twitter account Monday that he has agreed to sign with the Saints.

Carr's contract with New Orleans reportedly will be finalized as a four-year deal, per Ian Rapoport of NFL Network. As the Saints' new starting quarterback, Carr stands to provide a boost at least in terms of stability for fantasy standouts Alvin Kamara and Chris Olave, while his arrival essentially guarantees that the team will move on from Jameis Winston in free agency. It remains to be seen, however, whether Michael Thomas (toe) will remain in New Orleans for the 2023 campaign, or whether Kamara will face a suspension. Both outcomes will impact Carr's fantasy outlook in his debut campaign with the Saints.

Carr and New Orleans are closing in on a contract agreement, Mike Garafolo of NFL Network reports.

Carr met with three teams at the NFL Scouting Combine, but the Saints now appear to have emerged as the clear front runners to sign him as a free agent. Adam Schefter of ESPN reports that an agreement between Carr and New Orleans could be made official as early as Monday. Carr, who turns 32 later in March, would get the benefit of two top-end offensive playmakers in Alvin Kamara and Chris Olave with the Saints, while also reuniting with head coach Dennis Allen, who held the same position with the Raiders back when the team drafted Carr in 2014.

The Giants plan to franchise tag Jones if an extension isn't reached by Tuesday's deadline, Tom Pelissero of NFL Network reports.

Jones is reportedly seeking an extension worth over $40 million per year, and it appears the Giants have been reluctant to pony up that type of compensation. However, per Dan Graziano of ESPN.com, there's still optimism that the two sides can reach a deal before Tuesday's 4 p.m. ET deadline. New York is also dealing with the impending free agency of Saquon Barkley, and per Graziano, the team would rather sign Jones to an extension and tag Barkley than the other way around. Jones had a career-high 67 percent completion percentage in 2022 and finished tied with Geno Smith for sixth in QBR (60.8).

Hoyer (concussion) is expected to be released by the Patriots before March 15, Karen Guregian of the Boston Herald reports.

It's a bit of a surprising move given the Patriots wouldn't actually save any money by releasing the long-time veteran. Given the relative youth of both Mac Jones and Bailey Zappe, the expected two remaining QBs on the roster, it's entirely possible New England could opt to add an additional veteran if Hoyer is released, as has been reported.